Epitaphs provide families with the opportunity to share meaningful words in honor of a deceased loved one. Inscribed on a gravestone or monument, the commemoration may provide solace during a time of grief and serve as a lasting reminder of a precious life. Here are five suggestions for writing a fitting epitaph that best captures the heart and spirit of your loved one.

5 Ways to Craft a Thoughtful Epitaph

1. Share Your Thoughts

It’s an honor to compose an epitaph in remembrance of a loved one. Gather with fellow friends and family to discuss potential points. By taking into account other opinions and feelings, you’re more likely to feel comfortable and confident with the final result.

2. Keep It Concise

Keep in mind the amount of space available on the gravestone or funeral monument. It’s usually fairly limited, and sometimes there are restrictions based on the type of font used on the memorial. Use this as your guide when you’re writing, and bear in mind that in almost every circumstance a short write-up is most appropriate.

3. Take Personal Inspiration

Use this time to consider your loved one’s best traits, be it their engaging sense of humor or their deep sense of compassion. Use this as an inspiration for the tone of the epitaph. There’s no harm in writing a humorous blurb that reflects a joyous personality or maintaining a more serious voice.

4. Consider Private Beliefs

In addition to their personality, your loved one’s personal beliefs can also guide the direction you go. If they followed a specific faith, for example, you might include a spiritual passage or quote. If they held a deep commitment to charity or volunteering, you might shine a light on that in writing.

5. Celebrate the Legacy

Ultimately, the goal of any memorial listed on a gravestone or monument is to celebrate the person’s wonderful, unique legacy. Mention their titles—parent, sibling, cousin, friend, husband, wife, and friend are just a few. Or take the opportunity to mention their service to the country or the community.

Families in Rochester, NY, turn to the compassionate and helpful professionals at McGee Monuments for assistance during difficult times. They create striking gravestones and funeral monuments befitting of your loved one. With hundreds of options available, you are sure to find the right choice here. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call them at (585) 546-4602 to speak with a caring team member today.